Meet Nikky Bourbon | Artist/ Entrepreneur / Para La Cultura

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nikky Bourbon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nikky, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was free lancing as a song writer for a very long time and I was losing a lot of money by not being sharp on the entrepreneurial side of things. A combination of the desire to always do so, plus covid, plus my good friend Hala coaching me turned into the perfect storm for me to get my shit together.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A good friend of mine called me an Artivist, and that really resonated with me. I think it’s super important for me to speak authentically from my perspective and lens (as a POC, LGBTQ+, Female, Nuyorican) – so that I can inspire others to empower themselves through their lens as well. It was hard as f to get to where I am today and I still feel like I am only scratching the surface and have such a long way to go. The biggest hurdle was conquering myself. We get hijacked by these narratives that were created to protect and serve us, but at some point, you have to keep the good and let go of the stuff that’s holding you back. I want people to know that they are f**** PERFECT just the way they are, and we are all works in progress, and that there’s so much relief when you’re just OK with it. I also just want to advocate for the communities that I personally belong to, and also stand on the humanitarian perspectives I have of the ones I do not belong to. I am an idealist, and I am proud as hell of who I am, my struggle, my journey, and everything along the way. I also love and trust the divine. I encourage people to find what speaks to them and what feels good and stay in stride.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you ever made your way to my bed, it is my absolute favorite place, and the best hang out spot in all of LA. But it’s very very exclusive. So you can try to find a way, but the chances are slim. Other than that, there’s a really amazing patio in my apartment that I enjoy, and I also very much enjoy my rooftop pool as well Ok, I am a homebody LMAO. BUT Sofitel for Salsa on Wednesdays is LIT, Adictiva and Gasolina are vibes for sure, and I love me some El Floridita . I also absolutely love Santee Alley, it reminds me of Bergenline in my hometown. I love this little park on the corner of Franklin Ave, it’s a fun spot to chill on the steps and watch all the cute puppies pass by. Hiking in LA is always always a vibe. As for food, man, go anywhere. It’s all good.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My team. I used to carry the world on my shoulders and relinquishing control to be able to start. my own company and to expand my impact aka get out of my own way was extremely difficult for me. I think I carried a lot of trauma with me that blocked me from getting to the next level. I decided to create a female centered company, and the women I work with know how to support me in being able to maximize my potential, and feel safe enough to unload and push things forward. So shout out to them. The people that believe in my vision and see my heart as well, because both of those things are important to me. They help me feel like I’m in stride and have purpose.

Website: https://nikkybourbon.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkybourbon/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikky-bourbon-42802b17

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nikkybourbon?s=21&t=M6uRd2rc6ve7De1icOsDgA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iambrbniambrbn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nikkybourbon

Image Credits
@Mavishotme @Isaacealvarez